The Delhi Government is organising a three-day cultural festival ‘Mayur Utsav-2018’from 14th to 16th December at different venues in Mayur Vihar Phase 1, Phase II & Phase III in East Delhi. Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister, had announced that the grand event will have high energy performance by the Indian film music composer and pop – rock based singer – Kailash Kher.

Kher has been one of the men accused in the ongoing #MeToo campaign in India. In October, social media users had poured out their stories against the singer, which was the backed by many.

(1) Here I write my #MeToo story- and I name Kailash Kher. Guess what his profile bio says- Adiyal bairagi hu, ziddi anuragi hu. How poetic right? I will show you what it means- “I am a stubborn recluse, a stubborn lover” I wish I knew what this meant much earlier! pic.twitter.com/6ItkX2bPCi

On hearing about Delhi government’s official invite to Kher for performing at the festival, singer Sona Mohapatra, who too had accused Kher of inappropriate behaviour, demanded his immediate withdrawal from the festival. Sona has even started a change.org petition #WhyKailashKher, to garner support. She tweeted:

“The performance is scheduled for Sunday,16th December, so we have to act now to make sure that this festival celebrates #Delhi, it’s citizens, Delhi’s #women and not an accused in the #MeToomovement. Sign this petition”

The performance is scheduled for Sunday,16th December, so we have to act now to make sure that this festival celebrates #Delhi, it’s citizens, Delhi’s #women and not an accused in the #MeToo movement. Sign this petition – https://t.co/tMPaz8W5hU

“Close to 7000 people had signed her petition in the last 36 hours & it went to show that people cared and would not want a serial predator to be celebrated by you @ArvindKejriwal & @msisodia . Please do listen to your people”

What became more ironical is that Arvind Kejriwal even tweeted this morning, remembering the brutal rape and murder case of Nirbhaya exactly six years ago. He said,

“Six years ago on this day one of the most brutal and worst crime was committed in the history of Delhi. Only way to keep the brave Nirbhaya alive in our minds is to ensure a strong struggle for women safety despite all hurdles in our way.”

Six years ago on this day one of the most brutal and worst crime was committed in the history of Delhi.
Only way to keep the brave Nirbhaya alive in our minds is to ensure a strong struggle for women safety despite all hurdles in our way

“Wah, Arvind Kejriwal, how proudly you lend your government’s name to a show featuring a molester. Kailash Kher has multiple allegations of misconduct and harassment against him and you’ve got him performing even after government employees protested this.”

In another tweet, she wrote:

“Dear Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party and Arvind Kejriwal, multiple women including minors have come out in the public with their #MeToo stories against this predator Kailash Kher and you choose to rub this kind of insult to injury? Do you care so little for 50 per cent of your population?”

Anna MM Vetticad, Author of “The Adventures of an Intrepid Film Critic”, tweeted questioning the dual face of the Delhi government asking citizens to keep the memory of the horrific Nirbhaya case alive, however, encouraging a sexual predator accused, to perform at the fest organised by none other but themselves.

While Kailash is looking forward to his performance on Sunday at the fest, as per his email interview to IANS, he also added that it would be nostalgic and emotional for him to sing for his people on his “homeground” of Delhi’s Mayur Vihar, which he calls the land of his elders.

Nonetheless, the outpour continues over social media, which is calling out the hypocrisy of the Delhi government that wants the women to believe that they are safe.

@msisodia@ArvindKejriwal It is inappropriate to invite Kailash Kher for Mayur Utsav organised by Sahitya Kala Parishad, GNCT of Delhi.
He is named by several ladies in #MeTooIndia which include illustrious names like Sona Mahapatra.

Today is the 16 th of December. The day Jyoti became the symbol of a woman’s bravery & a victim of the deepest,darkest side of society. #Nirbhaya . #Delhi will celebrate this day with Kailash Kher’s performance. A man who has bee accused by multiple women in @IndiaMeToo ! 🙏🏽🔴

@AtishiAAP may please look into the case of Kailash Kher who was accused of sexual harassment by singer Sona Mahapatra and other ladies. Kailash Kher is suppose to sing tomorrow in Mayur Utsav 2018 in Mayur Vihar.

In fact not only AAP, but BJP government and Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju, too could stop singing praises for the tainted Kailash Kher last month, when he personally took to twitter to thank Kher for honouring his request for a performance at the Papum Poma River Festivalin Arunachal Pradesh.

Exciting! @Kailashkher ji is on the way to attend Papum Poma River Festival near Sangdupota in Papum Pare District. Besides promoting adventure Tourism, the objective of the festival is to
preserve, conserve & to ensure sustainable growth of the community. pic.twitter.com/hfQgksFA0p

Thank you @kailashkher ji for honouring my request. You have enthralled the audience at Papum Poma River Festival in Arunachal Pradesh. Everyone should come & enjoy this amazing festival in a pristine location near Itanagar. pic.twitter.com/iHcjYWLRIV